From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Housatonic River Dam

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the Housatonic River Dam.

The Housatonic Water Co. was organized in 1866 for the purpose of erecting a dam across the river. The dam was built in 1870 near the present-day Yale Boathouse.

A short canal was built on the Derby side while a much longer canal was built on the Huntington side that later became Shelton.

On Jan. 21, 1891, the dam burst from damage wrought by freshets and ice blocks. Even after it was rebuilt, ice and heavy water flows continued to damage the Housatonic River Dam until the Stevenson Dam was built upriver in Monroe in 1918.

[First published on this date in 2017.]

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesing local history each week.

Sharing Facebook memory: 'Turnback Tuesday' from this date in 2018

Turnback Tuesday features “Another View from Sanford House” painting.

This oil-on-canvas was painted in 1852 by Calvin Curtis born in Stratford in 1822. The Sanford House was the home of Nehemiah Curtis and Nancy Bateman Shelton Sanford and was located on the corner of Caroline and 4th Street in Derby.

The painting is overlooking a canal and the Housatonic River and can be viewed at the Derby Public Library in the Adult Reference/Computer Room.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Sterling Piano Co. in Derby

Turnback Tuesday features the Sterling Piano Co. factory, along "The Embankment" (canal) near Water Street in Derby.

Organized in 1866, the factory produced superior pianos that were shipped worldwide. In this photo, the canal is up front and to the right. The Housatonic River flowing south is to the right of the smokestack.

This is approximately where Home Depot is today.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights The Bassett Co. in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits one of the oldest manufacturing companies, The Bassett Co. 
It was started in 1836 by David Bassett who was the pioneer auger manufacturer. 
In 1842, the property was passed on to his son, Robert N. Bassett. Robert continued to make augers and added galvanized pump chains to the production line. 
He brought much success to this metal specialty manufacturing company with corset steels, dress stays, etc. In 1859, they produced hoop skirt wire and then added covered corset wire.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week!